eataly and la dolce vita

So I must confess that, though I am partial to architecture and art and history, I travel to eat.  Here’s the part of my trip to Italy you haven’t seen.  Can you say “carb coma” ten times fast?

In Venice: A sidewalk stall of endless varieties of pasta, of different shapes and sizes. From my favorite, squid ink, to mushroom to cocoa. Yes, there is chocolate-based pasta, which you boil and season with melted butter.

In Rome: I am a huge fan of mousse and naturally loved the various panna cotta available. You take the glasses with you if choose to have yours to-go. These panna cotta were savored across from Trajan's column.

In Rome: Panini is everywhere! I had a few throughout my stay, my first from one of the many stalls at Termini station. This panini here is from an old salumeria (salami shop) immediately outside of The Pantheon.

In Florence: The prettiest gelato I've seen. In Venice: A sweets shop selling oversized meringue, an assortment of nut torones, and almond cookies.

In Venice: Me, eating pasta and pizza, of course! The pasta was eaten at an outdoor patio along the Grand Canal. The pizza was in a pizzeria outside of St. Mark's Square.